The NAIA World Series begins Friday and many locals remain in the running for championship rings.

Here’s a look at which locals are still among the final 10 teams.

Top-seeded Oklahoma Baptist is the title favorite in part due to major contributions from senior outfielder Joey Szczepanski (Bloomington Christian/SBVC) and senior outfielder Jeff Ricker (Cajon/MSJC). Szczepanski is hitting .429/.459/.621 with five home runs and 59 RBI, while Ricker is hitting .303 with two home runs and 30 RBI. Lefty Tallen Parker (Redlands/SBVC) is part of their relief corps.

Oklahoma Baptist received a bye into the second round and will play the winner of No. 9 St. Thomas (Fla.) and No. 8 Concordia-Irvine. Concordia features senior infielder Daniel Shine (Arlington), who has appeared in 42 games for the Eagles, mostly as a defensive replacement.

Tenth-seeded Vanguard features the most locals of any team in the tournament, with freshman right-hander Kurt Gairing (Corona Centennial) and junior left-hander Matt Silberman (Vista Murrieta) in its bullpen and senior Cole McMath (Riverside Woodcrest Christian) serving as it’s backup catcher.

Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho is this year’s host. The World Series begins May 22 and concludes May 29.

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